Beith welcomes Minister's agreement that school "must be rebuilt as soon as possible"

12.30.00pm GMT Tue 26th Jan 2010

Local Lib Dem MP Sir Alan Beith has asked the Schools Minister about progress in getting the new school buildings Alnwick needs.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Sir Alan asked

"Does the Schools Minister, following his visit to The Duchess's Community High School in Alnwick, agree that it desperately needs replacing? Will the subsequent visit arranged by his officials clear some of barriers to getting that done?

The Minister replied:

"It clearly needs to be rebuilt as soon as possible. I hope that the subsequent visit by officials, which has taken place, will help with that process."

Speaking after the exchange, Sir Alan said

"I am very pleased the Minister has said so clearly that the school needs to be replaced. I am continuing to work with councillors and officers at Northumberland County Council as well as with the Minister to explore ways of finding the funding for new school buildings which everyone recognises is a priority."

Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council Roger Styring said

"It is still our top priority and the council are very keen to rebuild. The buildings need to be replaced and we are exploring every avenue possible to raise the money we need."